RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 ‘Go Dairy’ Campaign Features Local Faces

Supplement to Te Awamutu Courier, Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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ocal farmer Phil Empson and his Te L Kawa shed manager Rochelle Keyte are two of the faces of the ‘Go Dairy’ campaign which was launched last month. The DairyNZ campaign has the bold aim of ‘recruiting the hearts and minds of all New Zea- landers’. DairyNZ Chief Executive Dr Tim Mackle says they want New Zealanders to be proud of their position as the world’s best pastoral dairy farmers. For the past five years Go Dairy had focused on encouraging career changers to give farming a go. However, Dr Mackle says as a growing industry dairying needs more than career changers if it is to continue being the country’s economic powerhouse. ‘‘Dairy farming’s future TC210409RR02 relies on having a much FARM owners Phil and Julia Empson with shed manager Rochelle Keyte closer relationship with New (left). The advanced technology used in the new milking shed was one of the Zealand society, to achieve a reasons the 410ha Te Kawa property was featured. During the television better understanding promotions Rochelle can be seen cupping cows, while Phil and Rochelle amongst policy makers, and both endorse the benefits of dairy farming. to attract new talent into dairying, from urban as well ture as a career.’’ highly skilled and focused is in the air-conditioned as rural backgrounds. Dr Mackle says research young men and women. office. ‘‘Media reports certainly shows most urban people Their business is Increasingly, young show a high level of appreci- don’t even think about dairy information-based and it people starting dairy farm- ation for the economic farming as a career, or as a provides them with a con- ing either have, or work impact of dairying. career option for them. stant set of challenges and towards, higher ‘‘But this doesn’t neces- ‘‘People unfamiliar with decision-making opportun- qualifications. Twenty per sarily translate into people farming often regard the job ities every day of the year. cent of workers in the agri- seeing dairy farming as a as long hours, poorly paid Many dairy farmers use cultural industry now have a career opportunity. and low skilled. computers and PDAs to run bachelor’s degree or higher. ‘‘We will be successful ‘‘These perceptions are all aspects of their busi- Most of the remaining 80 871 5609 ALL HOURS when more school leavers wrong.’’ nesses, and the mobile per cent have vocational and start to consider studies in He says today’s dairy phone is as important in the school qualifications. 6805907AA farming and viewing agricul- farmers are well educated, air-conditioned tractor as it To page 15.

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6812730AA RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 3 Farmers open gates for Alpaca Day

TC210409RR03A TC210409RR3B BETRON stud owners Ron and Beth Guest of Puahue show the depth of fibre on one of their alpacas. NEWEST addition at Julie and Grant Mansell’s Riverdale Alpacas.

f you’ve every thought alpacas were ‘‘Soon we were hooked on shows - eczema and grass staggers.’’ put off by the cost. With only around now taking.’’ cute, but didn’t know anything about the animals are easy to transport in our They don’t eat a lot of grass, 5000 alpacas in New Zealand at that The Mansells have constructed a I them here’s your chance to find out. horse float. preferring lucerne chaff, hay and pellets - time, we were not confident that the purpose-built shed for the mill alongside A number of farms are opening their ‘‘We have found people involved are with zinc in to avoid facial eczema. alpaca population would support the their Alpaca shop and are now awaiting gates for the inaugural National Alpaca very helpful and friendly - obviously the ‘‘You do also have to be a little careful mill. arrival of machinery from the USA. Day on May 3. shows are competitive, but they are still with their diet as they can get fat ‘‘Now we have some 15,000 alpacas Riverdale Fibre Mill is expected to be Ron and Beth Guest operate Betron very enjoyable.’’ quickly.’’ in New Zealand and the National Herd is operational within the next two months Stud on Puahue Road. The couple have found out a lot more The alpacas are shorn annually and growing. and has been designed to provide the Like many people attending National about the fibre and its uses. the beautiful fibre is used in range of ‘‘We feel confident that our original ‘lifestyle’ alpaca farmer with a cost Fieldays they saw a display of alpacas ‘‘We initially got white alpacas garments. thought to offer a service where smaller effective option for processing their fibre and were intrigued. because we were told the fibre could ‘‘Alpaca fibre doesn’t have lanolin in breeders could process their fleece into yarn. Beth in particular was keen to get then be dyed any colour. But we soon it. It is very warm, very light and is without having to combine it into a larger ‘‘We will be able to process both Suri, some for their fibre, but Ron took a little realised there are 25 natural colours, so beautiful in knitted and felted garments. run will be viable. Huacaya and blends with staple lengths more convincing. we felt we would rather expand our ‘‘The beauty of the product is that it is It took the Mansells several years of 45mm to 230mm. ‘‘We eventually visited Chris Leech’s stock, as we prefer the natural colours. low irritant, so people who can’t wear searching the internet for manufacturers ‘‘Our machinery will provide a full property at Karapiro. I wanted to get ‘‘We now have 19 alpacas and are woollen garments often prefer alpaca.’’ of suitable small mill equipment. mill processing operation for smaller two, but it was actually Ron that decided into our second year of a breeding The Guest’s alpacas are shorn by Being from Yorkshire stock in the batches, we can cater from single fleeces on three. programme. Julie Mansell at Riverdale Alpacas UK, Mrs Mansell felt there should still be to large batch runs. ‘‘So George, Villie and Pickle came ‘‘Ultimately around 30 would be the (Honikiwi Road, Otorohanga). some machines around from the heyday ‘‘This is not a mini mill system where to live with us in 2005, just before the ideal number on our property.’’ Julie and her husband Grant are of the milling industry in Saltaire and the machinery has been built for the Alpaca Expo at Mystery Creek. Mr Guest says the alpacas are good currently setting up a mill, specifically for Halifax where she grew up. cottage industry, but commercially built ‘‘We decided to take them along to natured, inquisitive animals and gener- processing alpaca fibre. ‘‘I am not sure that we found those and ex-industrial machines scaled down show them and they all picked up ally easy to care for. ‘‘Originally we had looked at the Mini machines, but we did find some suitable for a bespoke operation.’’ placings. ‘‘But they can be prone to facial Mill system back in 2004, but had been machinery and began the path we are For more see www.alpaca.org.nz COLORADO Lease Packages CREW CAB 4X2 LT CREW CAB 4X4 LT Mannual Mannual $635* $675*

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A/hrs: Stu Tervit (07) 871 4700, 0274 827 856 • John Hare (07) 871 3794, 0274 427 856 • Allan Patterson (07) 871 3956, 0273 427 853 • Email: [email protected] 4 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 5 60th for Rural Women Pokuru okuru Rural Women celebrated their 60th Jubilee with a P special luncheon at Whitby Homestead last month — held to the day of the 60th birthday. Past and present members celebrated the successes of the organisation over six decades, as well as renewing friendships and making new ones. The gathering was entertained by the Pokuru School Choir in the morning and St Joseph Singers from Morrinsville in the afternoon. Of special importance was the cutting of the cake by founding club member Agnes Knight, joined by newest member Patsy Hancock. ment was the naming of fellow They assist members of their Harker, Jocelyn Jefferies, Geraldine Then Pokuru Women’s Division member, now deceased Bubbles community in times of sickness and Douch, Dora Jackson, June Lambeth federated farmers was formed on Jones, as Blue Queen for the Te bereavement with visits and baking. and Rita Moir (pictured above from March 22, 1949 with an excellent Awamutu carnival which raised funds In 1999, when Pokuru WDFF was left) for their wonderful work through attendance at the first meeting. for the Te Awamutu Stadium and 50 years old, the national office the years. The subscription was set at 2/6 YMI. reflected on the past, and looked The presentations were made by per year. Their community work continues forward to the future, renaming the president Phyllis Proffitt and Justine In the early days the branch with support for various charities, organisation simply Rural Women. Baxter. Mrs Baxter was awarded life donated money and clothes to members baking for Craft and Care During the 60th anniversary a membership in 1999 and is a past CORSO and tins of fat to aid and members assisting their local special minute was set aside to provincial president. $5,995 members in Britain during the 1950s school to assist with children with remember deceased members. The awardees also received after the war. special needs. Life memberships and branch sprays and plants from Moreen Making scrapbooks for hospitals The branch has also planted trees honours were also bestowed upon Cooper, known by her friends in was also one of their major projects. for the school and provided curtains Joan Collins, Flora Burma, Sue Pokuru Rural Women as ‘our flower In the 1960s a notable achieve- for classrooms. Barton, Betty McGrath, Dorothy lady’.

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ILANA WILKS MARK PENNY POKURU Rural Women celebrating their 60th Jubilee. In the front row (from left) are treasurer June Lambeth, secretary Sue (0275) 445 262 (0274) 310 880 Barton, president Phyllis Proffitt, life member member Justine Baxter and foundation member Agnes Knight. [email protected] [email protected] 6811659AA IF IT’S CONCRETE? YOU’LL NEED TO TALK TO BOWERS!

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6806550AA6736746AA Crn Alexandra St & Paterangi Rd, Te Awamutu • Email: [email protected] 6 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 Time to look at partners for better value uccessful farmers know that this is a long-term business. Dairy payouts go up and down, seasons affected by S drought, animal health issues or other challenges come and go and that it takes sound commercial sense to make the best of the harder times and maximize profits in good. Dairy cow breeding, too, is a long-term business and one that has continually contributed to the profitability of farms on both an individual and a national scale. It is for this reason that dramatic cost cutting is best done only after careful consideration. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t be looking at all of your costs with a goal of increased efficiency and effectiveness. Indeed, we should all be doing this in our businesses in the profitable times as well as the lean ones. But the current season gives many an excuse to look at current suppliers and what they offer for the hard-earned money that goes their way. Agriculture is a highly competitive market and the companies that succeed may well have new products, services and approaches since you last looked at them — and these could improve your bottom line by thousands. CRV AmBreed has been working with New Zealand farmers for forty years. This year, with the release of their new corporate brand, the local organization acknowledges the strength lent by their parent company, CRV Holding, the third-largest dairy genetics organization in the world. ‘‘Our ties with CRV in The Netherlands give us the

backing to bring the latest technological advances in products and methods to New Zealand farmers,’’ says Marketing Manager, Peter Berney. ‘‘We lead the market in these innovations, and pass them onto our farmer clients to help them lead the world in dairy.’’ Offering a full service that is tailored to the systems and goals of individual farms is a key driver for CRV AmBreed. The company breeds towards cows that are productive, healthy and long-lasting, offering a range of domestic and international sires that are versatile and offer great value. Semen prices have been held at 2008 prices, offering even more bang for AI buck and are comparable to those of 10-15 years ago in actual dollars — so in real terms getting the best, most reliable and safest genetic gain is getting even cheaper. In addition to the dairy semen used by the majority of clients, which includes a robust FastForward (sire proving) scheme, CRV AmBreed offers beef and specialist products including Fertabull, imported HG genetics, sexed semen and genomically selected sires. The company also provides a full herd testing and recording service, artificial insemination and training and fertility and mating advice that works alongside farmers to get the very best out of their specific farms and herds. Your herd is the most productive asset you will ever own. It’s worth taking a look at your agricultural partnerships, especially in challenging times, to make sure you’re getting as much out of them as you possibly can. TB strategy under review he future direction of the cattle and deer TB control programme is up for discussion this year as the Animal T Health Board undertakes a review of the National Pest Management Strategy for bovine TB. TBfree Waikato Chairman Leith Chick says that much of the groundwork for the review has been done and the AHB plans to consult with cattle and deer farmers on review proposals during May-June this year. The objective of the current strategy is to achieve a herd TB prevalence rate of 0.2% by June 2013, giving us the internationally recognised ‘official TB freedom’ status. Mr Chick says New Zealand is well on track to meeting this objective, but an effective future TB control strategy needs to be more focused on eradicating the disease from wildlife. ‘‘While the reduction in herd infection rates has been a great achievement, the underlying problem of TB in possums and ferrets is still there and still needs to be dealt with.’’ In the review AHB will be presenting long-term options for eradicating TB from wildlife from parts of New Zealand, reducing the range of infected wildlife in other areas, and keeping the lid on herd infection levels. ‘‘Farmers need to get involved in this important review and should look out for further information from the Animal Health Board. We need to take ownership of it as the outcomes have a direct impact on our business.’’

18 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga Freephone: 0800 482 928 6806067AA DIRECTORS: 30 YEARS OF PROVIDING David Bailey Robert Ingham ♦ Quality and Professional Cheyne Waldron Advice to Farmers ASSOCIATE and Businesses DIRECTORS: Layne Kerr ♦ Expert Taxation Planning Kelly McIvor CHARTERED ♦ A Friendly and ACCOUNTANTS: Personalised Service Jayne Adams Tracey Hall Contact us for a free no Rebecca Lynch obligation interview to discuss Bridget Morgan your financial requirements ASSOCIATE CHARTERED Our Te Awamutu based ACCOUNTANTS: accountants are available Michael Crook to visit your business or farm Shellee Edwards as required Carolyn Perrett RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 7 Peak production of goat cheese

TC210409RR07 PUKEATUA goat farmer Fiona Graham keeps an eye on some of her 400 goats as they feed indoors.

orget any bad experi- and decided the food chain range of ‘distinctly different’ feedback, although many ences you’ve ever had all starts with the soil - that’s cheeses. people aren’t familiar with F with goat cheese in the why our motto is ‘healthy ‘‘We are priveleged to the halloumi, so we have past. products from the soil up’. have her make our cheese - been cooking some for them Fiona and Jeff Graham ‘‘So we have utilised the they are all handcrafted in which they have really are marketing some won- organic matter from the small quantities.’’ enjoyed. derful cheeses from the sheds to create our own ‘Pukeatua Peak ‘‘We are trying to build goat’s milk collected on their compost, which has been Handcrafted Goat Cheese’ up reserves of all the cheeses family farm at Pukeatua. spread onto the farm. This is a range of five cheeses all - some take a relatively short We are your Kubota Nestled on the slopes of creates healthy pasture for named after nearby peaks time to make, while others Mt Maungatautari, the farm our goats. and a stream that runs take much longer and have a parts specialists is home to 400 goats which ‘‘They are well looked through the Graham’s farm. shelf life of up to a year.’’ have been producing milk after in terms of minerals Akaterere is mild feta, Pukeatua Peak cheeses for a co-op for the past 10 and nutrients too, as they Pukeatua is a blue, are also putting something years. often produce up to twice Maungatautari is a hard back into the land - a Parts Direct But an episode of poor their body weight in milk. cheese, Tunarere is a donation from each one sold health for Mr Graham - ‘‘Healthy plants being eaten camembert and Te Akatea is goes to support the nearby 07 872 0291 which was exacerbated by by healthy animals means halloumi. Maungatautari Ecological some commercial foods - healthy, high quality pro- Visitors to local markets Island. Farm Machinery Centre

made them look closely at ducts.’’ may already have spotted For more information or 6805837AA food production on their The milk is transported the goat’s cheese and to order any of the Pukeatua farm. to Putaruru where Sue sampled the various Peak cheeses contact Fiona Warren Longman (027) 289 6263 ‘‘We wanted to produce Arthur at ‘Over the Moon’ flavours. or Jeff Graham (ph 872 TELEPHONE HAMILTON TOLL FREE 859 OHAUPO ROAD FACSIMILE natural, healthy products dairy makes it into a special ‘‘We’ve had some great 4668). 07 872 0232 07 849 6000 TE AWAMUTU 07 871 8190

TELEPHONE 859 OHAUPO ROAD TELEPHONE 859 OHAUPO ROAD 07 872 0232 TE AWAMUTU 07 872 0232 TE AWAMUTU Haydn Ken Cedric Haydn Ken Cedric (0274) 428 056 (0274) 437 729 (0274) 975 935 6806407AA (0274) 428 056 (0274) 437 729 (0274) 975 935 8 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 Blokes and their sheds display a winning idea

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TC210409RR08A ON YA BIKE: V.E. Veterinary Services receptionist Les Connor astride the 1950’s something DKW Hummel (that is the same age as her) that featured in the winning Merial Ancare display. The bike belongs to the company’s practice manager Malcolm Lind (right) who is with Merial Ancare territory manager John Bernau.

e Awamutu’s V.E. Customers purchasing Malcolm Lind calls entries in the nationwide Veterinary Services selected Merial Ancare ‘treasure’, the pair created a contest, V.E. Veterinary T got right behind drenches received ‘blokes shed’ display — Services picked up one of Merial Ancare’s ‘right tool Powerbuilt tools. mixing old and new, includ- the major prizes — corpor- for the job’ campaign and Utilising what reception- ing one of Mr Lind’s vintage ate passes to the Hamilton won a major prize in the ist Les Connor describes a bikes — the DKW Hummel. 400. process. ‘junk’, or practice manager From more than 140 Precast Food Troughs

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CALL US NOW ON: (07) 873 0819 or FAX: (07) 873 0839 6805847AA 178 Maihiihi Road RD2 Otorohanga or visit our updated website: www.dairytech.co.nz 6806580AA RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 9 Employment Agreement required by law BY HAMISH BURDON — CARDON DISPUTE RESOLUTION

s you finalise your staff employment to be performed; arrangements for next season you will 3. Where the work is to be performed; A need to look at signing up an 4. Hours of work required, which may Employment Agreement. vary throughout the season and needs to be The Employment Relations Act 2000 stated; requires any person who is in an employment 5. Wages or salary payable, how much relationship to have an Employment Agree- and when it is to be paid; ment. This is the Employers responsibility as 6. A clear outline of the process for it is their duty to provide one. resolving relationship disputes between the An Employment Agreement needs to set parties, should any arise; out the rights, obligations and responsibilities 7. Time off — weekends off, annual of both parties and must, according to the leave, statutory holidays. Act, be in writing. 8. If a house is provided, this needs to be It is simply not good enough to have a stated. There needs to be clear guidelines to ‘gentleman’s agreement’. the tenancy and what happens if the If anything should go wrong, then the first employment relationship ends. point of reference will be the Employment 9. Health and Safety, Drug and Alcohol, Agreement. motor vehicle and environmental policies are Last month I covered the area of being also to be attached as Appendixes to the clear in your expectations of the each other. Agreement so your employee has clear This related to work requirements, house guidelines to follow. rules, time off, and any specific points that You are also required by law to allow your related to your farm that may not necessarily employee the time to seek independent legal be common to other properties. advice before signing any Employment These expectations need to be included in Agreement. the Employment Agreement as they directly Federated Farmers have individual relate to the relationship between you and Employment Agreements available at a you employee. reasonable price. This Agreement needs to be addressed as These are designed specifically for soon as the parties have agreed to enter into farmers and cover all the requirements of the a relationship. This is because often Employment Relations Act. They are simple expectations are expressed at an interview to follow. which need to be written into an Agreement. I have found the best way to utilise these I have seen cases where an employee has agreements is for both parties to sit and fill started work and then been given an them out together so any questions/ con- Agreement which did not reflect what has cerns are addressed then and there. been previously agreed. They then only While all this may appear to be a bit signed it because they felt it was too late to daunting, you are legally required to provide question it. This has often been the first break an Agreement and non-compliance could in the ‘trust and confidence’ between the result in huge costs for you should disputes parties. arise. The Employment Agreement must Make your agreement one that all parties include: can understand and work with. And remem- 1. The names of the parties involved; ber — take good legal advice before signing 2. A job description which outlines work anything.

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6751873AA6809794AA 6806655AA 10 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 6805852AA Is your pet diabetic? the hormone responsible for control- ter the insulin injections and how to ling glucose use and levels in the body. monitor their pet in terms of diet, Everybody and their body cells drinking, appetite and urine checks at need glucose — but without insulin the home. By Janine cells are unable to use the glucose in Stabilisation of your diabetic pet Devaney — the blood — hence we get really high will not happen overnight and in fact veterinarian levels of glucose in the blood or may take several months with multiple in the ‘hyperglycaemia’. You may have trips to the vet clinic and tests. This is Te Awamutu heard of this as being called the ‘blood because it is important to get the ﬁ rm sugar’ level. insulin dose right in order to prevent VetEnt So has your animal got diabetes? the animal ‘going the other way’ and Te Awamutu. There are a few signs to look out for dropping their glucose level in the that may suggest diabetes: blood too low — which can cause even • Increased thirst; more of a problem. • Increased urination; This may all seem very daunting WHAREPAPA SOUTH • Increased appetite; and obviously does require a full • Weight loss (especially after being commitment on the owners’ behalf Phone: 872 2560 Fax: 872 2570 o doubt most of you will have overweight). however treatment can be very heard of diabetes or may even These can be quite common rewarding. Many diabetic cats and N know someone who has this symptoms in older animals and there dogs can continue to live relatively Tyres ...... Cars, Bikes, Tractors, Trucks disease. However, what you may not are other diseases that also show these normal and long lives if treated pro- realise is that diabetes can affect our signs as well, so a diagnosis of diabetes perly and most owners who do decide W.O.F...... While you wait pets too. will also depend on your pet having to treat find it very worthwhile. As with humans, animals can get blood and urine laboratory tests. If your animal is showing any of the SERVICING Exhausts ...... Repair or replacement diabetes at any age, although it is more So what can we do if your pet has above symptoms then it is definitely common in those that are middle-aged diabetes? worth a vet visit. CARS BIKES Interject ...... Fuel servicing, diesel or petrol to older and also more common in Just like humans, most animals Blood and urine tests can often be TRUCKS those that are overweight. generally require insulin injections done during a consultation, and results Heshbon...... Autotrans fluid changer Diabetes mellitus is the most com- once or twice a day to normalize their may be back within hours. And if the TRACTORS mon form of diabetes; this is where the blood sugar levels. results do show diabetes, remember If it has a motor we Clutch and Brake ...... Repairs and overhauls body does not produce enough insulin, We teach owners how to adminis- we can do something about it. will service it for you!

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Other models available. ave you ever been so professional and non profes- business on his farm in well as support from James Excellent traction and towing ability. frustrated by a prob- sional entries. Morrinsville. & Wells Intellectual Prop- H lem on the farm that Young inventors are also ‘‘Fieldays 2008 was a erty. Cool in summer/dry in winter. you have developed a solu- encouraged to enter, with great week, topped off by The reputable ‘Golden Radio and heater come standard. tion yourself? $1000 cash up for grabs for winning the Golden Stand- Standard’ award will be pre- If so, Fieldays Innovation the best entry from ard award,’’ says Lopes. sented to the supreme agri- Great rear tray space Centre is looking for you. inventors under 25 years. ‘‘Speaking with the thou- cultural invention at Fieldays (1900mmx1300mm). Fieldays Innovation Innovations Centre co- sands of farmers who 2009. Centre, powered by the Uni- ordinator, Lianne Dunbar, viewed his idea was the best In support of Fieldays Multi-use all purpose. versity of Waikato, is search- says Fieldays is the perfect forum he could wish for, I 2009 Premier Feature Economic to buy and run, ing for the best agricultural opportunity to test an idea have now developed my theme, ‘My Land, Our inventions, improvements on farmers and gain essen- product further and have Environment’, there will also fun and service. and new equipment. tial feedback. enjoyed selling my gates to be a special award for best Hi/Low ratio gearbox available. A range of ideas are Last year’s Golden interested farmers. environmental innovation. welcome, from the very Standard winner Murray The opportunities at For more information or basic to the scientifically Lopes has taken his Fieldays are endless.’’ to download an entry form elaborate. multipurpose gate idea from There are over $12,000 see www.fieldays.co.nz Phone Frank or Stu today - 07 872 2560 Categories exist for both simple beginnings to a small of cash prizes to be won as Entries close May 18.

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6805830AA RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 11 Sub-soiling thumbs up FARMERS WE ARE YOUR RURAL SPECIALISTS We provide cost effective solutions for...

Contouring and land development Feed pads and building sites TC210409RR11A CONTRACTOR and farmer Ray Shearer with his sub-soiler. The unit forms a small ‘drain’ about a metre underground with little damage to the surface. Mr Shearer says results are evident within a year.

or quarter of a century Ray time is effective, but the quickest and He has always believed to the Shearer has sworn by the organic least energy intensive method is sub-soil organic process is better for the environ- F practice of sub-soiling for good ploughing. ment, simply through the common- pasture. Now Australian permaculture Mr Shearer purchased his sub-soil sense approach that there are no consultant Darren Doherty agrees plough over 25 years ago and says there additives to the soil. Research showing increasing soil carbon by natural pro- are numerous benefits. the environmental benefits are far cesses is not only better for the soil, but He says farmers just wanting better greater is a bonus. better for the environment. pasture need look no further. He has New Zealand is well placed with its Known as carbon farming, the used the method on a variety of farms grazing system of farming to lead the process which involves composting and and says owners are always impressed. way in carbon farming. sub-soil ploughing is shown to take On his own property where the The challenge is to convert other carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere process has been used for 25 years, the countries who use what Mr Doherty than growing trees. land is better, wet areas dry out and describes as destructive practices to Mr Doherty says Californian studies remain usable pasture and grass growth return to grass fed grazing systems and SILAGE BUNKERS show that composting over a period of is enhanced. employ carbon farming practices. Water tight sprayed concrete Existing pits transformed Pay back 5 yrs Do you want to grow more grass? Sub-soiling could be your answer!

Breaking up that hard pan lets the BRIDGES - ANY SIZE moisture work evenly through the soil. It drys out those wet patches in your Experienced in precast or custom built paddocks.

aI have been using this machine for over 25 years in many and varied conditions and soil types. So far I have had no problems. I have a list of farmers who have tried this system on their farms and have been very impressed with the results.b

Phone Ray Shearer Farm races Farm drainage Drain laying 07 871 7156 home Phone Butch Gilbert 027 417 7665 mobile RURAL CONTRACTS MANAGER for all your rural enquiries on 871 4057, mobile 021 575 518 or a/h 872 2404 Bond Road • Te Awamutu

6805411AA

6806520AA 12 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 Effectively managing the drying-off period

this column concern, cow condition targets and dictate how many days will be needed before they per day basis this is 4.0 kgs DM. drying-off management. reach their targets. Maintenance 6.5 + BCS gain 4.0 = 11.5 (down COW CONDITION TARGETS The amount of feed (kgs DM per cow) needed to throat), + 20% wastage =12.8 (offered). This is the first target that we should be looking at. put on one Condition Score is below, at right. That looks like a lot of feed, and it is! That is also why Cow condition score (CS) targets will depend on the Remember that this is in addition to what ever the each year I see more herds at 4.5 BCS in June, instead of age of the animal and the number of days till calving. animal’s maintenance levels are. 5.0. By Darren This is why it is so vital to complete an autumn feed Sutton Days from calving MA Cow R 3yr Feed Type Jersey X-breed Friesian budget to assess just how far into the autumn you can milk. — Waikato If you decide to milk to the end of May and allow only FarmWise 120 3.0 3.5 Pasture (11 MJME) 130 170 210 two months as a dry period, then you will need to feed a dry consultant. cow similar amounts to a milking cow — about 16 kg DM 90 3.5 4.0 Grass silage (High qual) 140 180 220 per day. Do your feed reserves and budget allow you to do this? 60 4.0 5.0 Grass silage (Avg. qual) 180 240 290 If you have not worked out a drying-off or full autumn/ winter feed budget, then now is the time to do one. At calving 5.0 5.5 Maize silage 100 130 160 So why should you follow these drying-off guidelines? There is a lot of research to show that if you do have his is a critical time for a dairy The guidelines are above, at left. Example: A cross-bred mixed-age cow dried off on cows at 5.0 CS, you will have: farm, it is when we plan and If your planned start of calving (PSC) is July 20 and the May 1 and which is calving on July 20 will require • higher milk production; T prepare for next seasons’ pro- today’s date is April 20, then we have 90 days until about 6.5 kgs DM for maintenance. • better reproduction. duction and profit. calving. Her BCS (body score condition) is 4.0, so she Milk production: Research shows that cows that calve in Wise decisions made now will Therefore any rising three year olds that are less needs to gain 1.0 condition score in six weeks lower condition do not have the energy levels to milk to improve milk production, improve than a 4.0 CS or any mature (MA) cow less than a 3.5 (assuming no BCS gain is possible in the last four their potential. fertility and lower mastitis costs for CS need to be dried off immediately. weeks prior to calving when fed pasture). A cow calving at CS 4.0 will produce on average 15 kgs next season. Remember these are a rough guideline, as the type If fed pasture only, she will need to get 170 kgs of MS less than a cow calving at CS 5.0. The two issues that I will discuss in and amount of feed you intend to give dry cows, will pasture down her throat above maintenance. On a Reproduction: Research has shown that a cow calving at CS 4.0 will take 8-10 days longer to start cycling than if calved at CS 5.0. This also translates into lower milk production — 15-20 kg MS less in the following season due to fewer days in milk. DRYING OFF MANAGEMENT SAMM Plan: For more in-depth information on how to go about this get a copy of the SAMM Plan Booklet. This booklet can be down loaded or ordered from www.dairynz.co.nz. This has the guidelines as to what you should be doing in the drying off and dry period. MINDAPro: If you have MINDApro then you can run a report on SCC (somatic cell count) to list all herd test records to identify the cows that are going to need the most attention and longer acting DCT (dry cow therapy). You can also run a drying-off report by setting various criteria for which animals need to be dried off first (e.g. low producer, high SCC, young animal). You can also print a drying off treatment guide so you know what animals needs to get what treatment when actually administrating the treatment. Dry-Cow Therapy and Teatseal Options: There are a large number of options of products that you can use to treat cows at drying off. Before making any decisions it is worthwhile seeking some advice on what to do this season. Your vet will be happy to help. It is important to take the time to ensure you actually end up with the results you were expecting. With more milk companies paying incentives for lower bulk SCC milk, then simply aiming to stay under 400,000 cells/ml is not the most profitable option. By working to a plan, and getting the right strength and length of protection of DCT for different groups of animals, can really pay off with less mastitis issues in the spring and greater milking frequency options (e.g. once a day milking) in the autumn. There are also more options around the use of Teatseal with or without antibiotics. But remember, if using only Teatseal, then there cannot be any history or current mastitis present, or you will only end up with more mastitis. DAIRY FARMERS!

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Ph (021) 737 164, A/h 871 9641, Fax 871 9642 www.smartscan.co.nz 6805947AA RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 13 The Disputes Tribunal — widening access to justice Who’d be a farmer .... ? in unfairness to a party, this may be left out of pocket due to the outdated In an increasingly complicated world, it’s essential grounds for an appeal. limit imposed on claims. Parties with a The Disputes Tribunal is a much claim exceeding $7,500.00 currently you have expert legal advice in matters such as: more relaxed arena than that of the have to be prepared to forfeit part of By Rachael District Court. At the hearing each their claim just to bring it within the Real estate transactions Bain — party is entitled to attend and have the Tribunal’s jurisdiction. Residential chance to be heard. In principle, no The value of the $7,500.00 limit Dairy Company shares Conveyancing party is allowed to be represented fixed 10 years ago has been seriously Unit head except in certain circumstances. One undermined by inflation and increasing Asset protection and family trusts in the Te of the features of the Disputes Tribunal Court costs. There is a growing gap Awamutu ﬁ rm is that legal representation is not between the upper limit of a claim and Wills and estate planning Edmonds permitted. the point at which it is financially Judd. The Disputes Tribunal deals with all feasible to take a case to the District Employment agreements kinds of disputes including: Court. Increasingly, claimants are • Whether work has been done pro- being forced to abandon part of their Property Relationship problems perly; claims to bring them within the 15 Albert Park Drive, Te Awamutu • Whether goods purchased were jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal as he Disputes Tribunal is a statu- what you asked for; they cannot afford to take their claims • Phone (07) 872 0236 • Fax (07) 871 7654 tory tribunal established under • The amount charged for work done; elsewhere. 6805987AA T the Disputes Tribunals Act • Damage to property; Proposed Changes The Disputes 1988. The Tribunal provides a simple, • Loss of property; Tribunal Amendment Bill which is fast, and cost-effective means of deal- • Whether a boundary fence needs currently before Parliament seeks to ing with minor civil claims up to a replacing or how costs will be shared; remedy this defect. The Bill will maximum limit of $7,500.00, or • Hire purchase agreements; increase the maximum claim level of $12,000.00 where both parties • Denying that you owe money for an the Tribunal from $7,500.00 to agree. account sent to you. $15,000.00 or, with the consent of The Tribunal will also only consider Limitations on Claims There are the parties. from $12,000.00 to genuine disputes and, as an example, some limitations: the Disputes Tri- $20,000.00. will therefore not consider any debt bunal cannot deal with disputes about The Bill will allow parties to resolve collection matters. Any other claims employment matters, land sales, fam- disputes in a more cost-effective man- which fall outside this have to be ily matters, Wills, bankruptcy and ner. resolved at the District or High Court liquidation claims, taxes, social welfare This increase is one of the Manufacturers and Suppliers of: level, which can be very lengthy and benefits and ACC payments. There initiatives announced by Government expensive. must also be a genuine dispute — i.e. earlier this year which will help small PROCESS you cannot file a claim if a party simply businesses through the economic ROTARY COW SHEDS The primary functions of the owes money to another, when there is downturn. It will allow them to refer Disputes Tribunal are two-fold: firstly, no dispute whether they in fact owe matters to the Tribunal instead of the where appropriate, the function of the the money. District Court which is currently cost- HERRINGBONE COW SHEDS Tribunal is to assist parties to a dispute Currently the present jurisdiction of ing small businesses valuable time and in negotiating an agreed settlement; the Disputes Tribunal allows parties to money. and secondly, failing this, the Tribunal submit claims not exceeding The Bill will achieve two objectives YARDS AND PIPE WORK may decide the outcome of a dispute $7,500.00 or up to $12,000.00 with by increasing the maximum claim according to the substantial merits and the consent of both parties. level: justice of a case. Where a claim exceeds $7,500.00 • 1. It will reduce the growing gap, KATROL TOP GATES While the law must be taken into and the parties cannot agree to effectively improving access to justice account, strict legal rights and increase the limit to $12,000.00, the for many individuals and small busi- General Repairs and On-Site Welding technicalities are not binding on the only alternative is to take the claim to nesses; and Tribunal. This means the Tribunal may the District Court (which financially • 2. It will reduce the costs that reach a decision based on the merits of may not be feasible). The applicant individuals and small businesses face 24hr Service Team (Ph 0274 771 888) a case having regard to the law. This may be forced to abandon so much of when resolving civil disputes by approach allows a Referee to take into the claim as exceeds $7,500.00 in enabling a larger number of cases to account matters that a District Court order to proceed to the Tribunal. fall within the Disputes Tribunal’s Welding of Steel, Aluminium Judge may be unable to consider. It has been over a decade since the jurisdiction. The Tribunal cannot ignore the law Tribunal’s financial limit was last It is proposed that the Bill will come and Stainless Machining, altogether, however, and if the Tri- increased under the previous National- into force on August 1, 2009. Raising bunal disregards an aspect of the law led government when the effective the maximum claim limit will enable Engineering Supplies which has been brought to its attention upper limit was raised to $7,500.00. the Disputes Tribunal to fulfil the role it during a hearing, which in turn results Disputes Tribunal claimants are being was originally set up to play. Big treatment for giant creatures

ive giant creatures — Gunson, whose wildlife art the South Pacific when New but due to whaling verged on past and present — portfolio includes works for Zealand separated from extinction in the early 20th F found in and around New Zealand Geographic, Gondwanaland around 80 century. New Zealand are given big New Zealand Conservation million years ago. The $2 stamp features treatment in a combined Department and education The 50c stamp the giant eagle with its three- stamps and coins series publications. showcases the South Island metre wingspan. SERVING THE FARMER FOR 48 YEARS. released by New Zealand ‘‘The giant creatures are giant moa, reaching up to The weta — or Post. brought to life through three metres. wetapunga roughly trans- FOR ALL YOUR ENGINEERING The five-stamp series illustrations on giant stamps The first colossal squid lated as ‘God of ugly things’ showcases the colossal squid, that are almost a third larger was found in a sperm whale’s — grows up to 10 cm in ENQUIRIES PHONE DES MILGATE southern right whale, the than usual,’’ said Ivor Mas- stomach in 1925. length, and appears on the giant eagle and giant species ters, General Manager This mammoth creature $2.50 stamp. of the moa and weta. Stamps and Coins. features on the $1 stamp. The Giants of New Zea- Livingstone Lane (off Bond Rd), Te Awamutu Illustrations for the Huge native birds, On the $1.50 stamp is land legal tender coin sets are stamps were created by archaic insects and massive the southern right whale, individually numbered and Phone: 871 7734 - Fax: 871 7792 Auckland artist Dave ocean dwellers migrated into once found in huge numbers, limited to 1,500 worldwide. Email: [email protected] 6805900AA 14 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009

Life on the farm with Ross Sutton

arm hosting is an interesting experience. While most of The married couple from Melbourne (Margaret and Peter our 2008 guests were young Japanese, we have had a Gill) had almost identical interests to my wife and me. She is Book NOW for F variety of European adults over the summer months. interested in quilt making just like my wife and he is an ex- There is one Danish company which offers farm home- history school teacher just like me. These co-incidences were uent Ponds stays and Te Awamutu is their chosen location. We have had remarkable but there were others as well. Efﬂ nine lovely Danish guests, four from Germany, two from Peter had an exceptional childhood. His father was Austria, three from Canada, three from Australia and one serving in the British Army in Burma and with the advent of from Japan. WWII, his parents sent him to boarding school in Melbourne at age five! I went at seven. During the war, Peter’s father theatre of war shifted to Assam which promptly sent me to the atlas. We have also entertained a 38 year old single woman from Japan, Atsuko Shibao. Our instructions were that she had to pet a sheep every day. We were able to oblige as some of the sheep will eat nuts out of our hands. She stayed six nights and her highlight was to learn to drive our ATV farm bike. Coming from the middle of Tokyo and living with her parents, our way of life must have seemed like culture-shock. Her gentility compared to our ‘get up and go’ attitude was part of that. The German man, Gunther, spoke of his childhood during the war years. He had little formal schooling as male teachers became soldiers. He was especially interested when I showed him a FunHo toy aeroplane with the Nazi swastika which he quickly identified as a Messerschmitt. These are just a few of the experiences we have shared 20 TONNE EXCAVATORS - UP TO 20M REACH and make it such a rewarding experience. 12 TONNE EXCAVATORS - UP TO 10M REACH HILLBILLIES One morning I got up and noticed four peacocks below our house and went to get my shot gun as they do so much damage to the garden, let alone their cry. As I went toward • Digger Hire them, my son saw a mob of turkeys nearby so we let loose. My younger daughter, who was sleeping, awoke and • Effluent Ponds promptly labelled us the Hillbillies. POSH AND BECKS Last year when we were rearing calves I purchased two • Earthmoving beautiful calves at the Te Awamutu sale. People tell me that one should never buy because of beauty but I did. My wife • Farm Works decided that they were so aristocratic that she would name them so they got named Posh and Becks after the Beckhams. • Wet Lands Rather than steer the male we have kept him as a bull for breeding purposes. Because they are not Hereford based, • Ponds they are not readily saleable but are for sale if anyone wants them. They are a Pointed Galloway cross. • Lakes CONVOLVULUS The bottom swamp which is fenced off and planted in young native trees now has convolvulus throughout. It must have been brought here by birds and it has begun to entwine 0800 686 294 itself amongst the trees. Leave it long enough and it will Email: [email protected] - Web: www.numax.co.nz TWO ex-secondary teachers on the farm. choke them. For the first time I have taken to spraying it with 6805874AA Tordon Max. It appears to be working but there are so many suckers that often the ones doing the most damage at the top of the tree keep growing. I have now given it a second and third spraying. March has been very dry and the land has certainly dried Thinking of building? off with little new grass. Rainfall has only been 22mls compared to 153 for February. Consequently I shall probably Think solar hot water heating and the award winning start feeding out silage next month. Biolytix waste treatment system CHROMAGEN

Solar Hot Water Waste Treatment Systems Recycle sewage, greywater, sanitary items and food scraps into a lush garden

CONVOLVULUS chok- ing natives. POSH AND BECKS Built for Life The Chromagen Sonim XP1 Sonim XP3 system is a complete solar hot water system package BUILT TOUGH: with the unique solar smart electronic management system - The waste filters through 3 layers and Bluetooth offering maximum efﬁciencyefﬁ ciency and after the second layer, it is cleaner than Shockproof constant hot water supply a septic output or aerated system. Waterproof www.solarhotwater.co.nz www.biolytix.com (XP3 up to 1m) Dust Resistant For more information call Singleton and Hansen today $599 $799

6814520AA 158 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu 3800, Phone: 07 870 6031 6805860AA RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009 15 To break or not to break

then the penalty interest would be anticipated reduced dairy payout (from deductible, but may have to be spread Fonterra or other dairy companies) for over the term of the mortgage. the 2008/2009 tax year; In order for the penalty interest to • Farmers provide evidence that they be claimable in full in the year it is will be so affected; By Lance incurred the following must apply: • The deposit is received by April 30, Fielder — • The borrower is a natural person (ie. 2009; associate in not a company or trust), the total The notice with the deposit the borrowing and investments do not indicates that: Te Awamutu exceed $1,000,000, the interest does • The deposit is for the main income ﬁ rm Gyde not exceed $100,000, and the penalty equalisation deposit scheme; Wansbone. interest does not exceed $40,000; or • That it is to apply for the 2007/2008 • The re-financing amounts to a repay- tax year; and ment of the existing loan, and a • That the criteria in this notice are to drawdown of a completely new loan — apply. bank documentation should support The income equalisation scheme is this new arrangement. designed to take out large fluctuations have received several telephone Another very topical subject at the in profit from year to year by depositing calls from clients over the past few moment is that of income equalisation money with Inland Revenue (taking Graeme Wansbone Mervyn Gyde Lance Fielder Duncan Gray I months wondering whether they deposits and this applies mainly to dairy profit from a high year) and then Director Director Associate Associate should break their current loan agree- farmers. Inland Revenue have relaxed bringing it back in as income during a ment with the bank and refinance at a the rules on deposits into the scheme subsequent (hopefully low income) lower rate, saving interest costs and for the 2007/2008 year. year. For friendly, personal service phone 872 0585 repayments. This breaking of your loan The income equalisation scheme The income equalisation deposit agreement does however incur a cost or allows farmers who are eligible tax- must be held with Inland Revenue for a 195 MAHOE STREET, TE AWAMUTU break fee. payers to even out fluctuations in minimum of one year and a maximum 6806045AA www.gydewansbone.co.nz In determining whether or not you income by spreading gross income of five years and the funds deposited should break your current loan agree- from year to year. earn interest. You can apply for an ment you will need to determine the Farmers are normally able to make early release of the income equalisation length of time to run on your current income equalisation deposits up to a deposit in times of hardship and other loan and compare the repayment month after the filing of their tax return. specified circumstances. 2009 RURAL ROUNDUP DATES savings over that period with the break With the dairy payout likely to be much The income equalisation scheme fee charged by the bank. lower than previously expected and the could be attractive to some dairy There is also another very important 2008/2009 tax year looking tough, farmers who have had high income factor to consider and that is whether or farmers who filed early returns for the levels for the 2007/2008 income tax The Te Awamutu Courier publishes a special monthly farming not the break fee will be deductible to 2007/2008 tax year may now request year and are anticipating the supplement The Rural Roundup. you for income tax purposes. an extension to make late deposits up 2008/2009 year to be significantly If the loan were repaid early and not to April 30, 2009. lower. Our paper is delivered to 11,634 homes including 5082 rural refinanced then the penalty interest Section EH 4(4) of the Income Tax There is a down side however, you clients in the Te Awamutu and surrounding areas from north (break fee) would not be incurred in Act 2004 allows Inland Revenue to will need to have the funds available to borrowing funds and would not be determine a ‘class of cases’ that qualify deposit it with Inland Revenue by April of Otorohanga in the south, to Kaipak/Te Pahu in the north deductible under the normal provisions for late deposits. 30, 2009, which may be extremely and out to Oparau/Kawhia in the west. which allow deductibility for borrowing As an extension of the existing difficult for some. costs. Instead consideration would be policy regarding income equalisation If you are contemplating using the To assist with your forward planning below are the dates and required as to whether a deduction is deposits, Inland Revenue will exercise income equalisation scheme or available under the ‘‘financial arrange- its ‘class of cases’ discretion to allow breaking your current mortgage I features for the Rural Roundup for the balance of 2009. ment’’ rules. late deposits to April 30, 2009 for the suggest you talk to your accountant May 12 General By contrast, if however the repay- 2007/2008 tax year where: prior to this and discuss the viability of ment is part of a refinancing strategy • Farmers will be affected by the doing so. June 9 Fieldays and Welcome to the District July 14 Calf Rearing ‘Go Dairy’ campaign features two local farmers August 18 Grow Maize 2009/10 September 15 Summer Crop options and Silage Making From page 2. mental record. ity, they are the ones who make the This strong trend towards more Dr Mackle says research shows headlines and do neither themselves October 20 Cropping, silage and hay formal training is because the skills many New Zealanders understand nor their fellow farmers any favours required to progress in dairy farming dairying’s importance to the economy, through their actions. November 17 Hay/Silage and Calf Club Results are considerable. but find it hard to reconcile this with a ‘‘We want New Zealand to under- Dr Mackle says that while some growing view that dairying is environ- stand that there are many farmers out people talk about an increasing urban/ mentally damaging. there who are going to great lengths to For Further Information please phone: rural divide in New Zealand, he ‘‘There is wide acceptance in the protect the environment for future believed it was more a lack of know- farming community and in society in generations.’’ Advertising: Alan Price or Heather Andrew ledge and understanding about general, that poor farming practice The Go Dairy 2009 campaign farmers and farming. can have a negative impact on the includes a television commercial with Editorial: Dean Taylor or Cathy Asplin ‘‘Because an ever-increasing per- environment. However, what isn’t so four 15 second ads featuring different centage of the population lives in well known is that the majority of aspects of dairy farming’s contribution Phone 871 5151 towns and cities, it’s a case of out of farmers are environmental champions - employment, research and techno- sight, out of mind - we just don’t have leading the way in sustainable land logy, economic and environment. that connection with rural New Zea- management and that New Zealand The new website land that there used to be. dairy farmers have the lowest carbon (www.GoDairy.co.nz.) is designed to ‘‘We want New Zealanders to get to footprint of all dairy farmers. be the public face of dairy farming in know our country’s farming roots Dr Mackle says it is unfortunate New Zealand. again and recognise the vital role it that some farmers still don’t take ‘‘Until now, there has been plays in so many aspects of our lives.’’ enough care and breach their nowhere people can go to get the full DairyNZ is also seeking to set the consents. picture on our dairy farms. The record straight on farmers’ environ- ‘‘Although they are a small minor- webiste now provides that.’’ 6805913AA

6812753AA 16 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009

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